There is discontent within Turkey"s Shia Muslim minority about the AKP government"s criticism of the Alawite Assad regime, raising concern about possible ethnic tension in areas near the Turkey-Syria border.

Turkey releases two high profile journalists under investigation in the Ergenekon trial, but opens a second investigation into comments made by one of them to the press upon his release.

Iraqi leaders envisage future export routes for the country"s oil through Turkey in case of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while the two countries" economic ties grow as the Kurdish north becomes a prime export market for Turkish products.

Turkey will go forward with its lawsuit against Iran for short-supplying on a natural gas contract.